We all know the importance of keeping our own bedding fresh, but when was the last time you thought about your dog’s bed?
After all, our furry friends spend almost half their day snoozing in their beds, so it’s crucial that their resting spot stays clean and comfortable. From muddy paw prints to occasional accidents, dog beds can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, allergens, and even unwanted parasites. In fact, your dog’s bed could harbour more bacteria than your own mattress!
But, staying on top of regular weekly cleanings, isn’t just about maintaining a tidy home – it’s about creating a healthy, comfortable space where your four-legged family member can truly rest easy. In this post we walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your pet’s bedding clean.
Choosing The Right Bedding
The right bedding makes all the difference, especially when it comes to cleaning. Choosing the right material not only keeps your pet comfortable but also makes your life easier, especially for those particularly dirty pups!
Polyester Beds
For a good balance of value and ease, polyester beds are a great option. These beds are durable, affordable, and easy to clean. They resist allergens, mould, and mildew, making them a practical choice for homes with pets prone to dirt and mess. Plus, polyester fabric is strong and can withstand plenty of wear and tear.
Nylon Bedding
If you have a messy dog who loves to roll around in the dirt, nylon bedding is a fantastic choice. Known for its durability and practicality, nylon beds are water-resistant, making them easy to clean and quick to dry, even after a muddy adventure.
They are also durable and can easily withstand the scratching and digging of even the most energetic pets. Nylon bedding works well both indoors and outdoors, so your pet can enjoy a clean, comfy spot wherever they are.
Wool Bedding
For a more eco-friendly option that still prioritizes your pet’s comfort, wool bedding is a great pick. Not only is wool naturally flame-resistant, but it also repels dust mites—helping to reduce allergens that could affect both pets and humans.
Covers and Barriers for Extra Protection
In addition to bedding, covers and barriers can make cleaning even easier. These are interchangeable covers come in a range of materials and can be machine-washed with ease. Waterproof covers are ideal for outdoor use or for dogs who experience accidents, protecting the inner bed and keeping it dry.
Do you have a four-legged friend who thinks their bed is a chew toy? For more destructive pets, heavy-duty vinyl covers offer additional protection and durability. Some covers even come with an antimicrobial coating to control odours.
So, Why You Should Regularly Clean Pet Bedding?
Regularly cleaning your dog’s bed does more than eliminate funky odours, it creates a healthier environment for you and your furry friend. Some studies have even found that pet beds can harbour disease-causing organisms that survive up to a year if not cleaned regularly.
1. Control Pests & Parasites
Pet beds can quickly become breeding grounds for parasites, including fleas, ticks, worms and more. Studies have found fleas in 14% of pet sleeping areas, even outside flea season. Fleas lay their eggs at night, turning your pet’s bed into a hidden breeding ground that can be tough to eliminate. Regular cleaning helps control parasites, ensuring your pet stays itch-free and comfortable.
2. Protect Against Infections
Bacteria and fungi thrive in dirty bedding, as these organisms can easily spread in warm, moist environments. By keeping your pet’s bed regularly cleaned, you help prevent harmful bacteria and fungi from making contact with your pet’s skin, significantly reducing the risk of infection. This is especially important for pets with sensitive skin or existing health issues, ensuring they have a safe, clean space to rest and recover.
3. Reduce the Risk of Skin Conditions & Allergies
Dirty bedding can aggravate allergies and contribute to skin conditions. Regular cleaning removes allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, helping to prevent flare-ups and keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy and itch-free!
4. Better Snoozes & Sleep
Our dogs have a keen sense of smell. In fact they can smell 10,000 to 100,000 times better than we can! So, a smelly bed doesn’t just affect us—your pet can likely smell it too. Our pets also spend a big portion of their day napping and resting, so providing them with a clean space is essential.
5. Helps You and Your Pet Breathe Better
Unwashed pet bedding can trap dust, dander, and allergens that make it harder for you and your pet to breathe! But don’t worry—regularly washing your pet’s bed helps keep those irritants at bay.
6. Keep Dirt Out of Your Home
It’s no secret that pet beds accumulate a lot of dirt, sand and hair- especially if your pups love spending time outdoors. This can quickly spread throughout your home, creating extra mess and adding to the cleaning burden. By regularly cleaning their bedding, you prevent dirt from getting tracked into other areas of your home, keeping your floors and furniture cleaner.
7. Say Goodbye to Pet Odours
Pets are stinky! There’s no denying it. No matter how hard we try, that classic pup smell is inevitable. And while many of us don’t mind the smell (think Frito feet!) it can quickly become unpleasant, especially if their bed is left unwashed.
Dirt, dander, oils, and grime become trapped in the bedding, leading to lingering odours that can fill your home. But, regularly cleaning their bed helps remove these trapped particles, neutralising odours and keeping your home smelling fresh.
8. Extend the Life of the Bed
Lastly, regular cleaning simply helps your pet’s bed last longer. By removing oils, dirt, and other residue, you prevent the material from breaking down too quickly, ensuring your pet’s bed looks good and lasts longer.
How Often You Should Wash Pet Bedding?
Ideally, pet bedding should be washed once a week to keep it clean and fresh. But how often you need to clean it really depends on a few factors:
- Your Dog’s Shedding and Coat Type: Dogs that shed a lot or have long fur might need more frequent washes to keep the bedding hair-free and fresh.
- How Much Time Your Dog Spends Outdoors: If your dog loves outdoor adventures or gets super active, their bed might need an extra wash—or two.
- Allergy Considerations: If anyone in your family has allergies (or if your pet has sensitive skin), washing the bed more often can help reduce reactions and irritation.
- How Clean Your Pet Is: If your dog gets really muddy or has accidents often, you’ll want to clean their bed more frequently. However, if your pet prefers to stay indoors more often and gets groomed regularly, you can get away with cleaning their bed less often.
- How Many Beds You Have: If your dog has multiple beds, you can switch them out, which gives you a bit more flexibility with your cleaning routine.
Top Tips For Cleaning Pet Bedding
Cleaning your pet’s bedding doesn’t have to be a chore! With the right approach, you can keep it fresh, comfy, and clean for your furry friend. Remember – the more regular the maintenance, the less you actually have to clean!
Here are some top tips to make the process easier:
1. Spot Cleaning & Daily Maintenance
Quick action is key when it comes to fresh stains! Blot them immediately with a clean cloth to soak up as much as possible. A regular vacuum with an upholstery attachment is also a great way to keep loose hair and dirt in check, preventing them from building up in the bedding.
2. Deep Cleaning
For a more thorough clean, start by removing pet hair with a vacuum or lint roller. If your bedding has a removable cover, take it off and pre-treat any stains before washing. Add a cup of baking soda to the wash to neutralize odours and leave the bedding smelling fresh! After washing, air dry the bedding in indirect sunlight to help keep things fresh. If your pet’s bed doesn’t have a removable cover, check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning instructions—using a damp cloth or sponge to spot clean is often the best way to clean.
3. Choosing the Right Cleaning Products
Your pet’s skin is sensitive, so when washing your pet’s bedding, always use a dye and fragrance-free laundry detergent to avoid irritation. There are also pet-friendly cleaning sprays and products that can help maintain the freshness of the bed in between washes.
4. At-Home Remedies
There are also several natural alternatives to keep your pet’s bedding fresh. A simple mix of equal parts water and white vinegar creates a natural disinfectant that works wonders for spot cleaning. For tough stains, try a paste made from baking soda and warm water, which can help lift and clean those stubborn spots.
5. Managing Odours
To keep unwanted smells at bay, sprinkle baking soda between washes. This will help neutralise odours and keep things smelling fresh. Also, give the bed a chance to air out in direct sunlight from time to time. Sunlight helps kill bacteria and naturally removes odours. Pet-friendly sprays can also be used to help neutralize smells and keep your pet’s bed smelling great.
Key Takeaways
Cleaning your pet’s bed may seem like a lot of work, but a fresh, well-maintained bed doesn’t just protect our furry friends from unwanted visitors like bacteria and parasites – it helps create a healthier home for the whole family!
The good news is that keeping your pet’s bed clean doesn’t need to be complicated. A little goes a long way and with some regular maintenance, you can keep it fresh and comfortable.
Need expert advice on keeping your pet healthy and happy? At The House Call Vet we’re here to support your pet’s well-being every step of the way. Whether it’s regular check-ups, parasite prevention, or tips on maintaining a clean and comfortable environment at home, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule an appointment today!
